My Responsibilities
I will teach students the language of music in a positive and enthusiastic environment. It is my goal to empower each student to influence their music education with input based on their interest and long-term goals. I will tailor the curriculum to match each student’s specific learning needs.
Student and Family Responsibilities
Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, with trimmed fingernails, and with their assignment book, music, and instrument. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions about home assignments so that the student and parents/guardians can completely understand the assignments and goals.
Parents/guardians: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child, please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.
Parents/guardians are expected to aid in the daily home practice of any students under the age of 8 years old. Parents/guardians are expected to help keep older children accountable for daily practice but not expected to aid in the practice itself.
Parents/guardians are invited to sit in on lessons with students, but not required. Siblings are welcome to sit in on lessons, but the parent/guardian are expected to ensure that siblings do not distract from the learning environment.
Students and families will be expected to respect the property of the studio, which takes place in the Butterfield home. Any extreme disrespect of the property may terminate a student from the studio. Parking must take place on the Butterfield property only.
Communication Preferences
Communication will be done primarily through text, email, and in person. Studio operating hours are M-F 1 PM to 7 PM. Please allow 24 hours for response to all communication during the week. Communication outside of the studio operating hours may have a longer response time, and all weekend communication will be answered the following Monday. Hours of operation will vary during holidays and vacations.
Music and Materials
Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by me, and advanced notice will be provided whenever possible. Students must have their own instrument to practice at home.
It is highly recommended not to purchase an instrument online through Amazon. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument, please let me know. I am happy to set appointments to meet the student and their family for instrument trials.
Tuition and Schedule
Tuition is flat rate for each month. Flat monthly tuition rates are based on the number of guaranteed lessons in the calendar year. There will be a minimum of 44 lessons offered throughout the year, and the weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays, pre-planned teacher commitments, or teacher illness) will be communicated in advance.
Tuition is based on the number of lessons the studio schedules and will not be altered.
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. Recurring late or missed payments may result in termination of the student’s enrollment. Automatic payment is available for all students and is the preferred method of payment.
To cancel tuition, written notification must be received 2 weeks prior to the month of cancellation, i.e., the 15 th of the month. In the case that notice is not received by that deadline, the full tuition amount will run automatically on the first of the month, and students have the option to attend all paid lessons that month. Lessons will then cancel for the following month.
Tuition payments are non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
Lessons canceled with under 24 hours’ notice may not be eligible to attend a makeup group lesson. Lessons canceled with 24 hours' notice will be credited a makeup group lesson. Individual makeup lessons will not be offered.
Three consecutive no-shows without notice will automatically forfeit their spot in the studio.
A makeup group lesson will be offered every month during the school year and twice per month during the summer term. Students may attend a makeup group lesson at any time during the calendar year for a canceled lesson. Students who canceled a 30-minute lesson may attend one makeup group lesson per cancellation; students who canceled a 45-minute or 60-minute lesson may attend up to two makeup group lessons per cancellation.
Makeup group lessons will have a cap of four students per session due to limited space in the studio. An RSVP is required to attend a makeup group lesson and is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the cap has been reached and you would like to redeem a makeup group lesson, you may redeem it at a future makeup group lesson any time during the calendar year.
Makeup group lessons are supplemental and do not replace private lessons in the studio.
In the case of mild illness, severe weather, or other conflicts, lessons may be held online virtually. When virtual lessons are offered, students are not elibible for a makeup group lesson. If the student opts out of the virtual lesson and a makeup group lesson that lesson and tuition will be forfeited. Tuition is non-refundable.
Lessons canceled by me will be given as much notice as possible. Teacher cancellations outside of the guaranteed 44 annual lessons will be rescheduled within 30 days.
A student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.
To switch your lesson slot, notice must be given at least one week in advance to allow the studio to coordinate with other students on exchanging time slots.
Studio Terms
Fall Term – September through December
Spring Term – January through May
Summer Term – June through August